Is IITM BS degree in Data Science worth

Despite being a Degree offered by IITM, curriculum is one of the main point I consider pursuing this Degree. The curriculum is well designed and flexible according to today's demand in the industry. And the examing procedure is also quite good making it a relevant Degree. The exam pattern is made in a manner that the year is divided in 3 terms i.e. 4 months for each term, first and second month there's quiz i.e. quiz1 and quiz2 containing the syllabus of week1-4 and week 1-8 respectively and on the third months there is end term exam. Marks of both the quizzes are included in CGPA , and attending one of the two quizzes is mandatory.

Since it's a new Degree so no one have passed it yet and many working professionals are also there so its little hard to track the placement records as a student. But yes, IITM provide placement opportunites once you completed either of the Diploma. I know the actual average package but from seniors and many batchmates I heard that it's aroung 8-12LPA. But I will say placement cell of IITM is quite active for students they keep organising various workshop and sending off campus placement or intership opportunities.

The overall general fee for completing this course is 3,51,000 INR i.e. too much for most of the students. Let's breakdown the fee structure, the course is divided into 4 levels. First phase or level is foundation containing 8 courses that you can complete in 8 months if you go at maximum pace, the fee of foundation level is 32,000 INR, 4K for each course. After completing all the 8 courses a student is promoted to Diploma level which consist 2 Diplomas that takes your 1year and 6months at maximum pace , the fee to complete diploma is 1,25,000 INR. After completing all courses and projects of diploma level students reach Degree level (BSc) where they provide flexibility of taking courses and now promotion is depend upon credits instead of course completion, the fee for this may vary from 2,21,000-2,27,000 INR (from starting). After completing the credit criteria students are promoted in BS degree level which is similar to BSc degree level and its fee varies from 3,15,000-3,51,000 INR.

Since it's an online degree there's no campus life but you can visit the campus during Paradox, the tech fest of IITM organised by BS students(online students). But despite being online it has good social activities unlike any other online degree.

Students have to give an entrance exam conducted by IITM itself, the fee for which is 3000 INR(1,500 INR for SC/ST) but JEE students who have qualified for JEE Advanced don't need to give the exam but have to register for the program by paying the same fee. Students from any background can avail for this Degree if they have English and Maths as the main subject in 10th class, there is no age barrier as well. After the registration you will be enrolled in program and they will provide you 4 weeks of content, the exam will come from these content only. There is no cutoff for this exam but you have to score minimum 40% in qualifier exam to continue program(35% for OBC/EWS and 30% for SC/ST). The registraion opens three times a year i.e.November,June and August the time may vary a little bit.

Faculties of this Degree is highly educated and from all over the top reputed colleges of India. Even though they provide recorded lectures i.e. 2 years old , they take weekly session to cover the doubts of the students, the session is taken either by faculty itself or by teaching assistants. Almost all faculties had put their whole effort to make the topics interesting and engaging for students despite being recorded, but come on some exceptions are always there.